The event capped off TBCF’s flagship awareness and fundraising campaign, which is held each September in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Funds raised through the campaign help ensure that TBCF is able to serve all eligible families requesting assistance and to not turn away any family.

Originally scheduled at The Biltmore’s Coral Casino, the luncheon was moved to a tented outdoor venue on the hotel’s lawn in order to accommodate an overflow crowd of more than 400 attendees.

This premier event showcased special volunteers and donors who received awards. It was adeptly emceed by Andrew Firestone, who also enthusiastically conducted a successful live auction, thanks to the many generous bidders in the audience.

“We are all here today for many different reasons,” Firestone said. “The community of Santa Barbara has a pattern of doing what is right, and I believe that is why we are here today.”

Foundation Executive Director Lindsey Leonard said, “The average out-of-pocket expenses for a family with a child with cancer is $10,000 a year. Thanks to your support today, we are able to help these families facing the tremendous challenge when learning that their child has a cancer diagnosis.”

Since its founding in 2002, the foundation has served 1,808 individuals and has gifted $1,688,996 in financial aid. Leonard pointed out 15-year old Colby from Ojai, who was the first recipient of a Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation grant when he was 9 years old.

A deluxe dinner for 10 people prepared by amateur chef and Santa Barbara International Film Festival Executive Director Roger Durling was the first item up for bid in the live auction. The dinner will be held at the Montecito home of TBCF supporters Jeff and Margo Baker Barbakow.

Ginni Dreier was an active bidder. Jeff Barbakow quipped, “If you up your bid, I will even let the dogs out that night.” Dreier ultimately was the winning bidder at $6,000. The foundation was well on its way of raising its $260,000 goal for the event.

A particularly touching moment at the event was when Earl Minnis introduced the dozen or so youth fundraisers who had raised $18,000 for the organization through activities as varied as bake sales, accepting donations in lieu of birthday presents, performing Flamenco grams, selling handmade pompoms, collecting recyclables at workplaces and many others.

By the end of the afternoon, two generous donors in the audience both matched the $18,000 raised by the young people as they were so touched by their efforts.

Honors presented included the Heart of Gold Award to Rachael Steidl, who served as board chair for 2007-09. She is the founder of ParentClick and is active in many community charities.

The Helping Hands Award went to Southern California Edison’s Ventura District, which has volunteered tirelessly for the foundation and has raised more than $73,000 to support pediatric cancer patients and families.

The Solodon family received the Pay It Forward Award for their collective countless hours of dedication to champion the cause of helping families dealing with pediatric cancer. The Solodon family received support from TBCF in 2000 when Becca, then 16, was diagnosed with cancer. Becca is now the foundation’s program director.

TBCF is dedicated to empowering families in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties who have a child (up to age 21) with cancer, by providing them with emotional, educational and financial support. Over the years, TBCF has donated more than $1.7 million to families in need.

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